Harmony's New Flame - Prophecy and Legacy:
Hello everyone, Novapyro back again for another chapter of Harmony's New Flame. In the last chapter the mane 6 and their dragon escorts attended the Lunar Gala, not only celebrating Princess Luna's return, but also her engagement to Pyro's brother prince Jordan. After the announcement, the party moved to the dining hall where Pyro regaled the guests with tales of his homeland. He told them of the day that marked the day of his true return and how earned the respect and loyalty of his friends and generals. With the story and the party concluded, everpony and every dragon headed back to their homes for a good night's rest. Twilight and Pyro shared their good nights before heading off to bed, but something unexpected happened when the purple unicorn closed her eyes. For she had been summoned and visited by a legendary being known to all as "The Chronicler". What awaits the element of magic as she meets this legendary dragon, let's find out.
Twilight was left confused and curious as she heard the mysterious voice identify himself, and tried her best to remain composed, which was kind of hard considering she was within an ancient library that was within her own subconscious and was talking to a disembodied voice.
Twilight cleared her throat and spoke up. "You said your name is, The Chronicler?" Said being replied to her question in a calm, aged, and wise tone that seemed to make the young unicorn a tad calmer. "That is correct Twilight Sparkle." Twilight continued to look around as she asked, "So that means, you're a keeper and logger of information right?"
The voice chuckled as he replied, "Yes, that is correct. I am the dragon master of time, as well as the keeper of chronicles for every living dragon."
Twilight's eyes shone with wonder as she exclaimed in excitement. "Wow, that's amazing! I've never heard of anything like that! A dragon actually logging and recording everything about every living dragon and keeping them in an unimaginable number of books! This is incredible! There's so much I could learn about dragons here. Oh, I can't wait to read what amazing things are written in these books! Oh, I don't even know where to start! Where do I-"
"Ahem."
The purple unicorn stops in her tracks as she hears the chronicler clear his throat. "While I admire your enthusiasm for learning young unicorn, we must get back to the task at hand for our time is limited." Twilight blushed bashfully as she heard this and giggled. "Heh, heh, heh,. . . uh sorry. Um, Mr. Chronicler. . . why exactly did you bring me here. . . and where exactly is here?"
The elder dragon responded to her question in an instructive and guiding tone as he revealed more of the dream realm to her. A door opened nearby revealing many floating platforms that held many different objects on them. "As I told you before young Twilight, this is the dream realm, a place in your own subconscious, but also a realm entirely of itself. "
"Wow. That's. . . amazing. I've heard princess Luna can access the dream realm. I wonder if it's anything like this when she does it." Twilight pondered the question for a moment thinking about how Luna's abilities were described in the last book she read about her. "The princess of the night is able to traverse the dreams of all at the same time. She can also move to any dream she wants at any given moment."
"Wow," Twilight said in surprise as she looked up to the disembodied voice. "I'm surprised you know about Princess Luna."
The Chronicler responded, "I have been watching over Equestria ever since the first dragon king made their journey here centuries ago. I have seen the history of Equestria unfold with my very eyes when I had the time."
"Wow, that's a very long time."
"Indeed." The chronicler chucked at the young unicorns amazement, but his tone soon turned serious as he began to explain. "Now then, As to why I brought you here, I have done so to prepare you for what's to come." This statement confused the young unicorn as she asked, "What do you mean?"
"I am sure you've noticed a few strange things happening in your world Twilight: new creatures suddenly appearing, new dragon breeds showing up out of the blue, and even Pyro himself. This is because something has been set in motion. An ancient force that our kind are all too familiar in facing."
"I-I don't understand. Wh-What exactly is going on?" Twilight asked her question in combination of alarm, shock, and confusion and she could hardly be blamed. Everything the Chronicler was saying was awful foreboding. "Twilight Sparkle, I am afraid that soon Equestria will soon face grave danger. Your world will soon collide with a force that will change it forever, and if you, your friends, as well Pyro and his friends are not prepared to face what comes. . . your world will be no more."
"What?! No, no that can't be? What is it? What's coming?
The Chronicler let out a deep sigh as he replied to her panicking voice. "I am afraid I cannot reveal precisely what is coming, for even I do not know exactly what will unfold, nor do I fully see the entire plan of the enemy."
Twilight's panicking voice only squeaked higher as she talked a mile a minute. "What do I do? What can I do? Wait, what about Pyro and his friends? They can stop whatever's coming, can't they?" The elder dragon gave one simple response, "No."
"Huh? W-W-Why not?"
"Pyro and his friends already have their own parts to play in the coming trials. What they must do is something that only they can do. Besides that, I am sure you know that Pyro and the others won't be here forever. You and the rest of your kind must learn to protect yourselves and your world. Equestria will soon face changes that have been seen in many a millennia. You and your friends must do your part to protect your world, for it something only you, "The Elements of Harmony" can do."
Twilight's face was saddened as her eyes reflected her spirit, which had been overcome by fear, worry, and partial despair. Her eyes fell and looked at the ground in sadness as she asked, "What could I. . . what could we possibly do to stop something from like this?"
"Young one, that is precisely why I have brought you here. I will teach you, prepare you to face the coming threat. I will instruct not only you, but all your friends to unlock the hidden potential in all of you fight against the evil that threatens your home."
"Really? You really think we can fight what's coming? I mean. . . it is from the world of dragons."
"I'm afraid I cannot gareuntee your victory Twilight Sparkle, but I can at least give you and your friends a fighting chance. I will teach you what I know, and when I am done, you will know the true capabilities of your magic and yourself."
"Oh well, I guess every little bit helps. I guess I'll take what I can get." Twilight seemed unsure and uneasy, but she couldn't dwell on what she didn't know and what she couldn't control. What she could do was do her best now and prepare for what was to come, and that was exactly what the young unicorn was going to do. As the element of magic and one of the elements of harmony, she had a responsibility to do whatever it took to ensure the peace and harmony of Equestria. "Thank you Mr. Chronicler. I'm ready to get started."
"Very good young Twilight", the chronicler said almost proudly. "However before we do, I must insist you promise me something." "Really, what's that", she asked quizzically. "I must ask that you not tell Pyro or any of his friends what I have told you, nor about me teaching you."
"Don't tell him, but why?" The Chronicler spoke in a tone that seemed wise and sure as he replied. "As I told you, Pyro and his friends have their own parts to play in what is coming. They have their own destiny to follow. When that time comes, they will be ready, but they cannot allow themselves to be distracted or set off course. Do you understand?"
"Huff, yes sir."
The Chronicler let out a satisfied sigh as he began to instruct her. "Thank you Twilight Sparkle. Now then, simply step up to that Platform and we will begin."
Twilight did as instructed and stepped onto the glow platform, which glowed ever brighter once she stepped onto it. It glowed a bright lavender color before the whole stone platform began to move through the star lit open space. This reminded Twilight of open night sky created by Princess Luna.
The platform came to a stop and Twilight took a look around to see where she had gone. She found herself surrounded by other similar platforms of which only four others had the glowing platforms that she was standing on, only they weren't glowing at the moment. She heard the Chronicler speak up and paid attention to what he was saying, although speaking to a disembodied voice was kind of strange.
"Now then Twilight, to start off with, we will need to get you more used to using your magic in a dangerous situations. You must have the clarity of mind to act and react accordingly to whatever comes your way. As such, your first task to reach the glowing portal platform at the far end of this course."
There were multiple floating platforms in front of her like a stair case. leading to two larger ones with more space. In the middle of these larger platforms were spinning towers with metal weights attached to them as both towers were spinning in opposite directions. Twilight assumed she'd have to dodge those. Behind those platforms was a fourth platform of similar size with four stone dummies standing evenly spaced apart. To get past this part, Twilight would have to take down all of them. Finally, there were three sets of spinning platforms: the first one had four, the second three, and the final one two. Once that was done, the portal platform was all that was left.
Twilight takes a nervous gulp as she prepares to attempt the course. She had to admit, that she had never done anything like this, but she also knew she was pretty good and thinking on her hooves. Not only that, but ever since she arrived in Ponyville, the shenanigans that she and her friends got into, kind of pushed her to be creative with her magic.
The purple unicorn smiled as she scuffed the ground with her left front hoof and got ready to charge. She then took a deep breath and charged forward. Twilight, using her momentum and speed, jumped onto the first platform, where upon landing, she jumped again. In mid jump, Twilight teleported to the top platform and moved onto the larger ones with the swinging iron balls.
As she approached the swinging balls of iron, Twilight stopped where she was, as she knew rushing in would just get her hurt. She eyed iron balls, taking in their speed, momentum, and arc. With all that she smiled and ran forward at again as she weaved and moved around the swinging iron before stopping at the edge of the platform. She looked up to and teleported to the next section, which housed the stone dummies.
Twilight channeled her magic and prepared to engage. She teleported onto the platform and blasted the first dummy causing it explode into tiny pieces. She then teleported in front of the other three blasting them one-by-one until she reached the end. Finally she arrived at the last obstacle, which were the spinning platforms split into three stages: from three spinning platforms, to two, then to one, and each one spun faster than the last.
Twilight smiled as she applied the same tactic she used for the chain balls and jumped onto the first platform. "Alright, Twilight you can do this. Just stay focused." She made sure to keep track of the second rows faster speed before jumping up to it and stumbled. The second landing wasn't as smooth as the first, but the unicorn managed to keep her balance. Unfortunately, it wasn't over yet.
Twilight tried to repeat the process, but now she was standing on a faster moving platform and the platform before her was spinning at an even faster rate. If she timed her jump or her landing wrong she'd plummet into the starry void below.
Twilight took a deep breath as her mind went to work calculating every detail about the speed, momentum, motion, and angle of these platforms. "Ok Twilight, think. When would be the best time to jump. Given the different rates of speed these platforms are moving, the time to jump is when they're at opposite sides. Since the top platform is moving at a faster rate of speed, once it reaches the left turn point and comes around it'll be right underneath me when I jump. Ok, now the hard part."
The young unicorn stood her ground and waited for just the right moment. She waited until the swinging platforms were completely opposite to each other and jumped. She closed her eyes hoping she was right, and as she felt her hooves touch solid earth, her eyes peaked open to see she was. Twilight laughed as she made one last jump to the last platform and the portal.
The element of magic stepped into the portal and was moved to a new area. She was then brought out of her shock by the voice of Chronicler praising her.
"Well done Twilight Sparkle, you're a natural. You've shown you have a sharp mind and sound judgement, but remember to be careful. You won't always have time to think through every little detail. It's best not to overthink everything young one. While it is true that sometimes a single misstep could throw you off and ruin your focus, you must be ready to trust yourself and take risks in difficult times. You must trust yourself to make the right decisions in crucial situations."
Twilight thought back to the times where she let her mind run away with her and she overthought the most simple of problems that her friends solved easily. As a matter of fact, that was one of the first things that happened when she met her friends. " Yes of course sir. Thank you."
The Chronicler chuckled at her response, as he prepared the next test for her. As the platform moved into place, Twilight looked ahead as the next testing area built itself. "Now then young Twilight, your next test will be to improve your overall magic output." Twilight seemed somewhat confused by this as she responded. "Really? My magic output has always been somewhat larger than most unicorns my age."
"This indeed so, but I'm afraid when faced with the coming threat, the magic output and power you currently have is simply insufficient. You will soon face a number of foes, a few of which will be very powerful, and others will wield their own magic. Your magic will need to be strong enough to face and overcome them, and at your current level of strength, you simply cannot."
Twilight looked down in disappointment as she responded to the Chronicler. "Yes, of course."
"Do not be sad young Twilight. The beings I speak of are from worlds far different and more dangerous the Equestria. Due to Equestria's many centuries of peace, you and your friend are ill prepared to face this threat. Even so it is your talent and latent ability that allowed you to become the element of magic in the first place."
Twilight smiled happily at the Chroniclers reassuring words and waited for him to continue his instructions to her next test.
"Now then young Twilight, as I previously said, if you are to aid in defending Equestria in the threats to come, you must increase the power and strength of your magic. In plane terms we must increase your magic output." Twilight nodded as she responded, "Yes, but my output is already at the max level for a unicorn my age. How do I increase it?"
"I'm afraid in these dire circumstances, if we are to get results quickly, we will have to be a bit forceful and take a direct approach. You must be put in a situation that will push you to your limits and force you to call upon the dormant magic still sleeping within you. Once it is awakened and you overcome that limitation, your magic will grow exponentially stronger, as will you."
Twilight didn't like the sound of this one bit and she could only wonder how this elder dragon intended to push her to her limits. She then wondered if this is how Pyro and the others trained to become as strong as they are today. "Oh um, and what exactly did you have in mind."
The worried unicorn received her response as she was suddenly surrounded by dummies all with glowing eyes and all looking directly at her. Twilight was in shocked and began looking around at each dummy as she tried to figure out what was going on and what the test was. "Uh, Mr. Chronicler?"
The elder dragon didn't respond as all the dummies raised what looked to be magic closing staffs and pointed them at Twilight. It was then Twilight realized what was about to happen and readied her magic as fast as she could. The dummies all released magical blasts at Twilight, who in response cast a barrier spell shielding her from the blasts. "What was that?!"
The Chronicler finally replied to her. "As I said young Twilight, we do not have time to everything step by step. You need to be ready for what's coming, and you are not yet strong enough. We must increase your magic reserves and power quickly. As such we must be forceful. You must learn summon as much strength as you can when needed, to overcome your limitations by sheer force of will. You need to be more. I am sorry young one, but time is not on our side."
Twilight looked around once again to see the dummies readying another blast. She once again prepared and summoned her barrier spell as the dummies attack. This time however, the dummies didn't launch one simple blasts, but multiple blasts of magic that pelted the purple unicorns barrier one after another, creating cracks and weakening it.
The element of magic focused on pushing as much magic as she could into her barrier to sustain it, but it was becoming more and more difficult as the blasts kept coming one after another. She didn't know how much longer she could keep this up. "AAAAAHH!
Just then cracks began to form in Twilight's shield. The cracks began to spread and increase along the shield, as the statues continued blasting and blasting. "Nnnngaaah!" The teenage unicorn was trying desperately to hold on and keep her shield up, pouring whatever magic she had left into the protection spell. Even so, she didn't know how long she could last. "Oh no, i-I'm losing magic. I. . . I don't know how much longer I can keep this up. I Nguuuh!"
Finally the statues' blasts stopped and Twilight dropper her shield, panting and heaving as her legs wobble, threatening to give out on her. She was completely exhausted, but just glad that it was over.
That thought vanished from her mind as she heard something.
The exhausted unicorn looked up in horror as the statues had once again surrounded her and were charging their beams. She could tell by the bright glow the statues were giving off, that these blasts would be stronger than the last. She had to do something, she had to protect herself, but she didn't know if she even had enough energy to cast the spell.
The beams began to glow brighter as they prepared to fire. Twilight cringed as she didn't have time to think. She had no where to run and no other way to get out of this. Her magic was low, her body was weak, but she had to try or she could be killed.
Finally, the statues unleashed their blasts as continuous magical beams and fired upon Twilight once again. Twilight cast the barrier spell, creating an amethyst dome around herself with the last of her magic and giving her all to sustain it. Even so, she could already feel it. The spell and her shield were both breaking. She dropped to her knees and stomach as the felt the last of her magic go to the barrier as it was filled with cracks and on the verge of breaking.
The beams kept pressing down on her, draining the last of her magic. The element of magic kept trying with all her might to keep the shield up, but no avail. She could feel it, it was over. She was done. She felt the anxiety and fear taking over as she whispered to herself, knowing what was about to happen.
"I can't do it. I'm not strong enough. I can't do it."
"Twilight, do not give up. You are far stronger than you know. You must push past the limitations of your mind and reach for what lies beyond."
"But the darkness that's coming. My friends, my home, the princess. There are so many ponies and creatures counting on me and I have to be ready, but I'm not. I don't know if I can do this."
"You can do this Twilight Sparkle. You can. You were chosen to be element of magic by the Elements of harmony for a reason. Now is the time for you to show what that reason was."
"What do I do?"
"You must let go what you think you know, and let your instincts guide you. Just look at everything you thought you ever knew, forget yourself. Only through forgetting can you remember what your body already knows. Look deep into your heart, let go of your fear, and allow the magic, that makes you who you are, come forth and be free."
Twilight took a breath as she followed the Chronicler's instructions. Her focus was no longer on the magic beams blasting her shield. Instead, she turned her focus inward, searching for the magic within her that made her the element an Element of Harmony, that made her The Element of Magic, that made her Twilight Sparkle.
She allowed her instincts to direct her as she searched within herself, she felt it. Deep within the pool of her magic, there was something else, a magic far more powerful than what she had ever used before, even during the Ursa Minor incident. Something within her that was asleep was beginning to awaken. It was new to her, but at the same time, familiar. As if it had been within her all her life.
A giant sphere of purple magic, marked with the very star that adorned her flank was floating there before her. Twilight outstretched her hoof and placed it on the sphere, allowing the magic within it to flow through her for only a moment, for that was ll she needed.
Twilight's eyes shot open, revealing them to be glowing a pure and bright amethyst. Her horn lit up and grew in length, as it shined like a star in the night. Her cutie mark began to glow as well as her magic began to fill her entire body. Finally, she channeled all of her new magic into her horn and shot a massive beam into her barrier spell, causing it to burst out in every direction, blasting the mystic beams away and shattering the dummies as well.
Once the magic dissipated, Twilight collapsed to the ground in exhaustion as she gasped for air. Twilight let a smile come to her face. She couldn't believe she actually pulled it off. She actually completed the next test and used a level of magic she didn't even know she had. As the young unicorn remembered the last moment of the spell, she began to wonder what had happened. It didn't last long, but she definitely felt something change in her.
As she lay there, the voice of the Chronicler soon rang out, pulling her from her exhaustion and confusion.
"Well done, Twilight Sparkle. You've complete the second trial, and in doing so, you've shattered the current upper limits of your magic. I am certain Princess Celestia would be very proud of you."
Twilight smiled as she finally found the strength to stand. "Thank you Chronicler, but honestly I don't know if i can take any more of that. Thought I'm guessing the next trial will be just as difficult."
"Actually my young friend, now that you've accomplished the second test, the third will be that much easier to overcome. That said, it will not be easy. You will have to focus your mind and your magic in a way you never have before. Are you ready?"
". . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes, yes I am."
"Very good, then we will begin."
Just like before, Twilight was engulfed in the light of the teleportation platform and transported to the sight of her next and final trial.
"Now then Twilight Sparkle, now that you've improved both your natural reflex and your magical to a more reasonable level, now is the final test that will begin to prepare you for what is to come. As the first test tested your mind and body, the second test tested your magic and will, this test will put all of them together along with your natural ability and instinct. The final test is a mock battle."
"A b-battle? You mean, a fight?" Twilight asked with mild fear in her voice.
"Yes, young one. While I know you prefer to use your mind to solve problems, a quality with which I greatly admire about you, there are times when we must strengthen our resolve and do what must be done for those we love and those who need us. If you wish to protect your friends and your home, then you must fight."
Twilight knew he was right. While it was true that ponies weren't exactly built for battle, they were capable of combat and defending themselves. She wasn't much of a fighter, but when pushed came to shove she was willing to risk her life to protect her friends, this wasn't any different. Whatever was coming, this darkness the Chronicler was talking about was going to be bad, worse than anything she and her friends had faced before, probably even worse than Nightmare Moon. She needed to be ready.
"Alright then. . . I'm ready. Let's do this!"
"Well spoke, Twilight. There are twenty stone enemies in total. They won't all attack at once, after all this is a mock battle to prepare you for coming one. They will attack you in numbered groups. To pass this test you must defeat them all. Do whatever you must and use everything you've learned thus far to accomplish this task. Are you ready?"
"Ready!"
"Then. . . Begin!"
Just like that the dummies appeared all around her. Twilight looked at all of the stone dummies as she was instantly surrounded. She stood her ground as she readied her magic, lighting up her horn with it's amethyst glow.
Just as her horn lit up, three of the stone dummies attacked. Twilight panicked and teleported out of the way. She reappeared on the other side of them as they turned and began stalking toward her, hissing and growling. Twilight backed away in fear, her horn still lit with magic, but too panicked to cast an attack or counter spell.
"Don't lose your composure Twilight! Stay calm and stay focused!
Twilight looked up as she heard the Chroniclers voice, snapping her out of her panicked stopper. She took a deep breath and shook her head as she got down in a steady stance and her stood her ground. The Element of Magic glared at the dummies with newfound determination as one of them charged at her.
Reacting on instinct, Twilight jumped to the side and out of the way of the attacking dummy, letting sale past her and crash onto the ground. A split second later, she cast her magic beam spell and blasted the dummy to pieces. She quickly turned to see the other two charging at her as well. Reacting quickly she teleported behind them as they got close before blasting them both as well.
3 down, 17 to go.
Twilight let out a deep breath as the first three dummies were reduced to dust. She looked to the side to see three more charging at her. The leader of the trio leapt at the purple unicorn aiming to tackle her. Twilight remembered a move Pyro once used and instead of dodging she jumped up as the stone dummy crashed, and she landed on top of it. The two other dummies charged at her attempted the same attack as their leader. Twilight cast her teleportation spell to dodge this time, causing the stone enemies to dog pile on each other. Twilight reappeared next to the dog pile before blasting it with a large blast and reducing them all to rubble. Twilight smiled happily that she had already defeated 3 more enemies and she was ready to keep up the momentum.
6 down, 14 to go.
Unfortunately for Twilight, things wouldn't exactly be that easy.
This time it was not 3 stone dummies that attacked her, but four and these enemies weren't charging in recklessly like the others did. They were approaching the young unicorn slowly while spreading out in front of her. Twilight noticed this and began to back away in fear.
"Uh oh, I think they're learning. Ok, calm down Twilight. Just take them out one at a time."
She summoned her magic to her horn again and blasted at the stone enemy in front of her, only for it jump to the side and dodge. Twilight was shocked, but tried again, only for the dummy to dodge again. She tried blasting one of the others, only for them to repeat the action. No matter how hard she tried or how many blasts she launched, she couldn't hit them.
"Oh no, now what?!"
Twilight was begging to panic. She kept backing away as the enemies began to close in on her, trying to figure out what to do. Wait 3? Where'd the fourth one-BAM! Twilight was rammed hard in her side and was sent skidding across the smooth ground of the trial platform.
Twilight groaned in pain as she pushed herself back onto her hooves. She got up to watch the stone dummies coming closer and she didn't know what to do. She was doing so well up till now and now she was beginning to panic all over again.
"Do not get overconfident young one. It will blind you to your enemies ability. Battle will not alway be straight forward young Twilight. You must be ready to adapt and change your strategy. Use her head and think of a new a way to win."
"Think of a new way to win. Change my strategy."
Twilight grabbed to the stone dummy with her magic and using all her mental strength she launched him into the other three, shattering all four of them at once.
"Yes! I did it"
"Stay focused Twilight Sparkle! This battle is far from over, and it will only get more difficult from here on."
"Right, right. Stay focused."
10 down, 10 to go.
This time, Twilight stayed focused as like before four stone dummies stepped forward and attacked. Like before, it these four were attacking differently than the ones before them. They didn't all come at her from same direction as they split up and surrounded her.
Twilight began to whip her head around as she spun in circles, looking to see which one would attack first. Unfortunately for her, this tactic would fail as it divided her focus and left her back turned to her attacker, which she soon figured out as she was suddenly pushed by the stone dummy behind her before being tripped and knocked on her side by another.
Twilight was about to get up, but looked up in time to see one of the dummies coming at her.
"Aah!"
She rolled over to avoid the attack, getting back on her hooves and summoning her magic as she did so. Thanks to that move she was facing all of the stone dummies again. Before the dummies at least gave her time to get up, but not this time. Like before, team of four was trying to split up and surround her, but this unicorn wasn't about to fall for the same trick twice. She cast her teleporting spell, appearing right next to one of them and blasted it with her horn, breaking it apart. As the others came to attack her, she teleported again to the other side of the platform behind them. Before they could react, Twilight blasted another one to smithereens, unfortunately getting the attention of the other two.
The last remaining dummies began to stalk towards her slowly, staying side by side. Twilight took a deep breath as they approached as she prepared to make her next move. As the stone dummies got close enough they charged their equine target at an attempt to double team her.
Twilight's mind once again went to Pyro as she remembered a move she once saw him use in this exact situation. Twilight ran forward at full speed at the charging dummies. As they got close, the two dummies leapt at the purple unicorn to bodyslam and pin her.
As the dummies got close, Twilight reacted quickly and leaned back until she was on her side, sliding beneath the two dummies. She then twisted her body, getting her hooves underneath her and blasted the two dummies from behind right as they landed, reducing them both to a pile of rubble.
Twilight let out a deep sigh as she began to take deep breaths. This was the first time she every really felt this exhausted both mentally and physically. She really had to hand it to Pyro and his generals. To do this every single day and make it look so easy. They must have trained diligently and efficiently to get as strong as they were now. She'd also have to thank Pyro showing her his moves, they really did come in handy.
14 down, 6 to go.
Twilight turned, only to have her eyes widen as the last remaining 6 stone dummies were moving towards. They were stalking towards her like a predator stalking it's prey. Like the team before, this team was spreading out to surround their target, but they were doing much more quickly and much more efficiently as a few them stayed back. They were now in a formation where three of them around her closely and the other three were around her further back, all of them with their stone blank eyes locked on her.
Twilight tried to stay calm, but seeing this many enemies surrounding her and using efficient teamwork was doing a number on her confidence. She was once again whipping her head around to see which of the stone dummies would attack first, but none of them were making a move yet. Instead they were circling her, making mock charges. This was a fear tactic and luring technique.
Twilight flinched with every mock charge and was beginning to panic as she continued to whip her head around not knowing which of them would attack and when.
They gave her no room to catch her breath as yet another one of the dummies rushed in and rammed her full speed, knocking her to floor hard with a loud SMACK! Twilight lay there on the ground unmoving and in pain as she heard them approaching.
She peaked her eye open and watched as them moved closer and closer. She tried to will her body to move, but it wasn't moving the way she wanted it to, no matter how hard she tried. Finally she managed to sit up. As she looked around, Twilight saw that she was surrounded and the stone dummies were all getting ready to strike, and strike they did.
In a split second, all of the stone enemies leapt into the air all aiming the dog pile on their downed target. Twilight managed to react in time, and did the only thing she could do. She cast a barrier spell between her and the dummies to protect herself. She focused her magic on keeping the spell up and focusing it's defense.
The stone dummies began to pound and smack at the barrier, wearing it down and putting pressure on Twilight, who was already exhausted and straining to keep the magic barrier up.
She closed her eyes as she strained to keep up the barrier. She listened to the sound of strikes, felt the pain in her body from the strikes, and her exhaustion washing over her. All of it was hitting her at once. Was this what she would face when this darkness and all these other enemies came. There was no way she could do this.
"No, This is too much, too much! No, no, no! I can't do it, I can't! I. . . I'm sorry eveypony and everyone. I'm not strong enough for this."
"Twilight Sparkle, you are far stronger than you know."
"Huh?" Twilight opened her eyes as she heard the Chroniclers voice and listened as he spoke. It felt like his words were being directly placed into her mind.
"Do not let yourself be overwhelmed Twilight, you must focus. Focus on what it is you must do. Let your mind be clear of all distractions and Focus your magic. Use your mind and your will to give it form. A form that will allow you to do what you must to defeat the foe that stands before you."
Twilight felt all the anxiety and doubt that overcome her mind suddenly disappear as she listened to the elder dragons words. She took a few deep breaths and focused on his instructions. "Focus. Let my mind be clear. Focus my mind and my magic. Give my magic form. A form I can use to fight. Focus. . . . . . . . . focus. . . . . . focus.
Twilight's eyes open, revealing a newfound determination and strength in them as she summoned her magic to her horn. As she did, her cutie lit up like a star and glowed in response to her new strength. As Twilight's horn ignited with magic, a spell was not cast, as such the magic remained in place. Twilight continued to channel her magic into her horn, not to cast a spell, but to gather and build her magic in that one spot.
She began to focus on giving the raw magic form as she continued to channel it. Then, the magic in her horn began to grow along her horn's point, tripling it's length. Then finally, the raw magic had began to take shape. Twilight focused with all her might as the raw magic took the shape of a blade.
The raw magic Twilight had summoned had now take the shape of amethyst horn blade of at least four feet in length, encompassing her horn. Twilight opened her eyes, which immediately went wide in shock as she saw what she had done. That look of shock soon turned into joy as she realized she had done it, she created a new combat spell of her very own.
The purple unicorn then turned her attention back to the stone dummies that were around her. She had created her combat spell, now it was time to use it.
One of the dummies charged at the unicorn while the others circled around her. Twilight stood her ground as the enemy attacked. As soon as it got in close, the glowing unicorn stood on her back haunches before leaning forward and shining her head, along with her new mystic Horn-Blade in horizontal slash.
The stone dummy was cut in half and collapsed in pieces on the ground. The other dummies came from different sides to try and overwhelm the magic equine again, but this time Twilight was ready. She was determined to pass this test and she wasn't going to let them get in her way. She needed to be ready to face the coming threat, so she couldn't let herself be beaten by these things.
She cast her teleportation spell and disappeared. The stone dummies searched for her along the platform, but saw now sign of her. Before any of them could react, they all watched as Twilight's mystic blade came down and cut one of them on the left in half. Twilight had teleported above them and brought down her blade in a surprise attack.
The young unicorn screamed in aggression as she swung her blade to the side again, slashing yet another dummy clean in half, leaving only three left to deal with. She turned her attention to one of them as it began to charge at her. She then caught movement from behind her and saw another one coming in as well. It didn't take long for her to realize what she needed to do.
Reacting quickly, Twilight charged at the first incoming dummy. As they closed into each other, the dummy dove for Twilight's hooves and legs. Twilight jumped in response turning her body as she saw the two dummies meet up. She then charged her mystic blast and fired a beam both dummies that completely eclipsed them both as they were destroyed.
Twilight's muzzle dropped in shock as she saw that the beam she shot was at least double the size of her usual one. She thought to herself, "Have I really gotten this strong? This is amazing, but I still have a long way to go." Finally, Twilight turned her attention to the final stone dummy and readied herself to fight.
The dummy scuffed the ground and hissed at the purple unicorn. Twilight scuffed the ground in response before snorting back at the moving statue. Then they both charged at each other dead on, both waiting for the other to make move for them to respond to. The stone dummy kept charging while Twilight readied her magic and did the same.
Finally as they got within five feet of each other, the stone ape leapt at her to strike her face. Unfortunately for the dummy, that was exactly what Twilight was hoping it would do. Reacting on a dime, Twilight jumped up to her back hooves, leaned back until her back hit the ground and summoned her Horn-Blade. As the stone ape flew above her, the blade cleaved the enemy in half as it collapsed into a pile of rubble.
The trial was over.
Twilight stood on all four hooves taking deep breaths as she was completely exhausted. She then smiled proudly as she had done it. She had defeated all of them and she had completed the trials.
The Chroniclers voice rang out getting her attention as she smiled and looked up, listening to his words. "Well done, Twilight Sparkle. Well done. You have completed the trials and taken the first steps to being ready for what is to come. You have proven that you have the strength, the will, and the mind to defeat the ones will come."
"Thank you Chronicler. Honestly, I didn't really think I could do it a few times back there, but I didn't want to give up. I want to protect my friends, and I want to protect my home. . ., and I will."
"You have grown much in our short time together young one, but I'm afraid it's not over."
"What?!" Twilight asked in a panic. "There's more?!"
"Hmm? Oh no, no. The trails are over, I'm just saying you will need to continue to polish your skills and magic to face the coming threats."
"Oh, yes. Yes, of course. Um, sorry about that."
"No, no it's quite alright. Now then, as I was saying. Now that you have awakened these skills, you must work hard to polish and maintain them. For there will be many threats coming to Equestria and each one will bring it's own unique dangers. Keep your guard up young Twilight, and be vigilant. This prophecy will come to pass sooner than you may think."
"Thank you Chronicler. I'll keep up my training, I promise. And when these guys come, I'll be ready."
"I know you will."
Twilight then pondered something and decided to ask the question she had been wanting to ask since he told her of this prophecy. "Um, Mr. Chronicler. If you don't mind me asking, can you please tell what these threats of the darkness are. Who exactly is coming to Equestria?"
"I. . . am afraid I cannot reveal that yet, Twilight. The coming threats are an ancient ones. Ones that have twisted the very fates to return and have set their sights on Equestria because of the vast magical energy the lies within the land, seas, and skies of this world."
"Well then, why are they coming now?"
The Chronicler sighs. "I am afraid that is something I don't know. This is simply the time they have chosen. Now, all that matters is that it is up to you and your friends and the dragons with whom you share your homes to save this world from falling into the clutches of the darkness."
Twilight takes a deep breath and replies, "I understand. I don't know what's coming and I don't know if we can win, but I'll try with everything I've got."
"Good. That's all I can ask."
Twilight still looked troubled. "Still, are you sure there's nothing you can tell me to give me some insight as to what's coming so I can better prepare."
The Chronicler stayed silent for a moment before he responded to her question. "There is not much I can tell you, but perhaps you can see for yourself."
"Huh?" Before the young unicorn could react, she was suddenly teleported back to the ancient library area she was at before. "I'm back here. Do you want me to read one of these books again?"
The Chronicler chuckled as he responded. "No, young Twilight. What I want you to see is not in any book. Now, do you see that glowing pool beside you?" Twilight turned to see the glowing blue pool in the middle of the room. "I see it." Twilight made her way over to the pool and looked into the glowing water. She examined it a little before asking, "So what is it?"
The Chronicler answered, "This Twilight, is the pool of visions. Those who are magically inclined, the pool has been used to see visions, the thoughts, memories, and dreams of others, and to see what's happening in distant lands. Thus it's name, "The Pool of Visions". With your talent and expertise in magic, if you were to focus on the pool, a vision may come forth."
"Wow, uh ok. I'll try." Twilight decided to try and looked into the pool. At first nothing happened. She looked as deeply into the pool as she could, but she saw nothing. She looked up and spoke, "Um, didn't see anything.'
The ancient dragon told her, "You must be patient Ms. Sparkle. Do not to try to see anything, but simply focus on a particular subject and let the pool reveal what you are meant to see."
Twilight relaxed, summoning a bit of her magic to her horn and focusing on the danger that was coming to Equestria. As she did, she began to see something. At first all the young unicorn could see were shadows and images. She saw many strange creatures, different lands, strange arches filled with magic energy, a large temple similar to this one, she saw her friends with their dragons facing off against some of the creatures they saw, she even saw Spike surrounded by green flames as he was facing something. Twilight's final vision was one that intrigued her. She saw Pyro standing beside a purple dragon that looked a little bit like him.
"I see different lands and areas. I see Spike and he's surrounded by green flames and. . . it looks like he's in trouble. Hold on I see. . . I see Pyro and there's someone next to him."
"Next to him?"
"Yes, it looks like there's a purple dragon that looks a little bit like him standing next to him."
As Twilight spoke those last words the Chronicler did not respond as what he just heard should be impossible. "Um, Mr. Chronicler, are you still there? Is something wrong?"
". . .No young Twilight, everything is alright. However, I believe it is time for us to say farewell. Your training is complete and the night comes to an und. It was about time for you to wake up."
Twilight tried to protest, "What, already?! But I still have some much to ask you?"
The Chronicler simply told her, "I know, but I'm afraid you will simply have to take things as they come. Keep practicing, remember what I've taught you, and that I will be watching over you and your friends. Goodbye Twilight Sparkle.
With those last words a flash of light shined in Twilight's eyes forcing her to close them.
A split second later, Twilight shoots up in her bed as she finally wakes up in a bit of panic. She looks around her room and sees that nothing is out of place, and even Spike is still asleep. She wonders. . . if that was all just a dream.
She looked over to the mirror by her dresser and decided to test if it was. She focuses her mind and summons her magic and as soon as she does her a small version of her horn blade appears on her head causing her to back-step in shock.
That was all she needed to know that what she experienced with the Chronicler was no dream. Equestria was in danger and she had to be ready.
And She would be.
On the White Isle:
Ignitus, the former Guardian of Fire, now the Chronicler-Guardian time walks over to the viewing orb in the middle of his chamber. "Now everything has been set in motion and now even things beyond my knowledge have begun to unfold. If what Twilight Sparkle saw in her vision was true, then the ancestors have finally heard my prayers. However this only means that his power will also be needed for the coming battle as "HE" will return as well. As powerful as Pyro is and will son become, I'm afraid he will stand no chance against this ancient enemy."
Ignitus looked back into the orb as an image appeared in it. He smiled as he continued, "Speaking of whom, it is about time for the king of dragons became of aware of this prophecy and the role he must play in it."
The elder dragon looked through the Everfree forest until he found the exact spot he was looking for. He then clutched his paw to the hourglass holding the sands of time around his neck. "Ancestors hear my call, your descendants are in need of the strength of the ages once more. Grant them your strength and aid them in the battle to come."
The hourglass began to glow brightly as the Guardian's call was answered. He then waved his paw over the area he had found in forest through the sphere and in that spot a small amethyst shard began to grow from the ground, a shard of a spirit gem. Ignitus smiled as orbs image refocused on the king of dragons himself.
The sphere showed the dragon king at the top of Oaks Library looking out over Ponyville. "May the ancestors look after you young dragon. May they look after us all."
To any and all of my fans out there who patiently waited for this. I am sorry for the wait. I've been busy with school work and other things, but I finally managed to get this one done. The next chapter won't take as long, but I won't be popping out chapters one after another any time soon. Please read, enjoy, and leave your comments. The more comments I have, the more I write. Love you all, Nova Pyro!